Mystery in Red

Chapter XXXIX - The Beast

27.May – Qualifying day

Charles and I walked back to his apartment together, and the second I stepped in memories of the night before flooded into my mind. I stopped in the middle of the hallway and stared at the piano. If I could rewind the tape, maybe I would never have separated from Charles, I would have left myself at his mercy... But I cared too much about him to risk both of our careers just for feelings. We hadn't discussed anything about last night, actually acted as if nothing had happened, but nothing was the same as before. After that night, everything has changed.

We both wished each other "Good night" and went back to our rooms, but I already knew that another sleepless night was ahead for me.

#

The sun was not yet up when I left my room with my laptop bag and fully equipped for the Qualifying day. I couldn't help myself and stopped by Charles' bedroom. Then opened the door and tiptoed inside. He was still asleep – laying on his back, naked to the waist, in a jumble of blankets and pillows. It looked like he had fought giants before, and the battle had completely exhausted him. Apparently, he didn't have a very good night's sleep either when it was so messy around him.

I moved closer and knelt beside his bed. His angelic pale face looked calm, soft lips curled into a slight smile, and his enviably long eyelashes fluttered like ears of wheat in a light breeze. I extended my hand and gently caressed his cheek. He moved slightly but didn't open his eyes. Around his neck hung the lucky horn of white gold and I started playing with it for a little.

I sighed and smiled sadly. He was so beautiful, irresistibly beautiful, and those pink seductive lips... Once I felt them, I couldn't help but want them again and again. And of course, I couldn't resist. I leaned down and placed a small, quick kiss on them.

- Good luck today, Lord Perceval! - I whispered and hurried to leave his room before he woke up and realized what I did.

#

I was sitting on a bench by the harbor while I was waiting for the paddock to open, scribbling in my notebook a drawing of the Monaco circuit. It was one of the most treacherous routes - uneven and narrow. To win, only one thing was needed - well-developed instincts. Overtaking could hardly be done here, the strategy had to be rather a crossing one and betting on the right moment to enter the pits to change tires or hope for a Safety car. That's why today's Qualifying was so important for us... For me. We needed a pole position or at least front row. The tension in me was building with each passing second and my heart was beating fast, I was short of breath. And that was a constant state after that night in Charles' apartment.

Suddenly I heard footsteps behind me and turned around. At first, I was shocked to see who was approaching.

- Oh, I can't believe it! - I shouted and laughed.

- Jet Pal! - answered Max in the same tone and spread his arms for a hug. - What are you doing here?

- No, what are you doing here? - I asked him and came closer to hug him, but I saw how sweaty his T-shirt was and in fact his whole body. - Ah... let's skip the hug, huh?

- Yes, I had a little workout and I'm sweaty - laughed the driver embarrassed.

- Are you working out? - I was surprised. - I thought that Red Bull bet more on catering than on training.

- Yeah... on the catering... - Verstappen laughed meaningfully and looked in the other direction.

We all knew about their tricks and the budget cap scandal last year. I could see his insecurity perfectly well when we started this thread but decided not to pursue it.